Kimpton Hotels HR exec gives job interview tips and advice on how to advance your career in the hotel industry

Erika Prafder

Dec 5, 2016

Hcareers sits down for a one-on-one Q&A on job search tips, how to succeed in an interview, and how to increase your chances of getting a promotion with Adrienne Occhino, senior regional director of People & Culture for the Northeast region at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a hospitality organization with 8,500 full and part-time employees within the U.S.

HC: What are your daily responsibilities?

AO: In my daily role, I help to support our teams and employees in creating exceptional experiences for guests and one another. There are continual demands – both guest-facing, as well as staffing our properties with the best talent – from housekeeping and back of house, to front office positions, as well as key leadership positions.

HC: Are your hiring demands strong right now? If so, where are your specific needs concentrated?

AO: Most definitely. We have a consistent need to recruit staff up at several different properties which will be opening over the next twelve months or so. We are opening in a variety of markets in the U.S. west and east coasts, as well as in Grand Cayman this month. We have positions available within marketing, revenue management and digital marketing.

HC: How can internal employees raise their value and visibility?

AO: We have a strong commitment to growing our talent from within. We provide annual reviews to all employees and offer staff development, leadership training, and software skills, through ‘Kimpton University’, which allows them to take their careers in a variety of different directions.

HC: What qualities make Kimpton employees promotable?

AO: The quality that most likely points to individual success revolves around self-leadership – being able to identify how to do the right thing and lead from the heart. Because of the unscripted interactions we want employees to have with our guests, we don’t just necessarily look at background experience. We hire for the right fit. We’re looking for someone who doesn’t need to follow a manual to build a genuine connection.

HC: How can job candidates make an impactful impression?

AO: Do your research. We have such an incredible culture – spend time on our website and look at the history we’ve pioneered in the boutique segment within our industry. Have a specific idea of how you have led and developed yourself through your personal and professional life and be able to share stories. Be yourself! We’d like to get a sense of who you are, and your values, as we’re so unscripted here.

HC: Can you offer a tip on advancing within Kimpton?

AO: Flexibility is key in relation to your job location, or trying different areas of the industry or of the hotel. Don’t necessarily tie yourself to one path. Look at it like a jungle gym – each opportunity helps you to grow within our culture. We’ll promote individuals within hotels and restaurants who can provide those heartfelt human connections, even if they need work on daily, tactical skills.